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Iran has announced the successful launch of three satellites into space, following a series of prior unsuccessful attempts. This development occurs amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and attacks by proxy groups like Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
State media in Iran released footage of the nighttime launch involving the Simorgh rocket. The launch occurred at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Iran’s Semnan province. The satellites, named Mahda, Kayhan-2, and Hatef-1, serve different purposes.
Iran says it has simultaneously launched three satellites into space orbit, a week after the launch of a research satellite by the Revolutionary Guards drew criticism from the West.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) January 28, 2024
One satellite weighing 32 kg (70 pounds) and two nano-satellites of less than 10 kg each were… pic.twitter.com/Gj7c3mXKYV
State TV detailed that Mahda is dedicated to research, while Kayhan and Hatef are nanosatellites focusing on global positioning and communication. The Mahda satellite, as per Iran’s Information and Communications Technology Minister Isa Zarepour, is capable of transmitting signals back to Earth.
This successful launch represents a significant turnaround for Iran’s Simorgh satellite program, which has experienced five failed attempts previously. The program has faced scrutiny from Western nations, including the United States, due to concerns that the technology used could expedite Iran’s development of an intercontinental ballistic missile.